The best kept secret to relieve rectal discomfort

"How can I get rid of rectal irritation?" Or "what is the best treatment for hemorrhoids?" Every year readers ask these questions. Some have given up hope of ever getting rid of rectal discomfort. Yet for many sufferers help is as close as the refrigerator door.

Dr. Warren Rudd is Director of the Rudd Clinic for Diseases of the Colon and Rectum in Toronto. He stresses that many people think they're suffering from hemorrhoids. But the cause for the discomfort is a condition called "anusitis," a frequently overlooked problem.

Anusitis is an inflamed area just inside the anus. Most patients complain of a small amount of discharge around the anal area. This constant wetness soaks the skin and causes multiple tiny cracks, which in turn trigger itching.

Another major complaint is a burning sensation inside and outside the anus. There is no swelling, but blood is often found on toilet paper and occasionally considerable bleeding occurs. And the insertion of a finger into the anus causes pain.

Dr. Rudd recently examined patients who were referred to the clinic for rectal dysfunction. These patients and their doctors believed their symptoms were due to hemorrhoids. But only 31% were suffering from this condition. Thirty-four percent had anusitis and the rest a variety of rectal problems.

It's reasonable to ask why so many doctors fail to detect this inflamed area inside the anus. But according to Dr. Rudd there is an easy explanation.

Dr. Rudd calls the anal canal the bowel's "no-man's land." Its length is only 3.0 centimetres. Moreover, unlike the bowel higher up, the anal canal is always collapsed. And a collapsed canal is more difficult to see than one that's dilated.

EASY TO DIAGNOSE

But since that's the case why don't doctors see anusitis when they do either a sigmoidoscopic or colonoscopy examination of the large bowel?

During these procedures the insertion of a lighted instrument into the bowel does provide excellent visualization. It's easy to diagnose polyps, diverticulitis and malignancies. But the insertion and withdrawal of the instrument is done so quickly that often doctors fail to examine the short anal canal.

The cause of anusitis is debatable. Dr. Rudd claims major offenders are colas, coffee, beer, pizza and garlic. In some patients food allergies, smoking and antibiotics may be responsible. So changes in dietary lifestyle may be the answer to soothe symptoms over the long term.

But there is a way to chill the heated agony of anusitis. Relief may be as close as the refrigerator door.

We've known for years that the application of cold is a sound treatment for the pain and swelling of sport injuries. And in gynecology the freezing of tissues is one way to treat some pre-malignant conditions.

But cold therapy is one of the best kept secrets to ease anusitis. Anurex is a reusable probe containing a cold jel. It's inserted into the anus like a rectal suppository after being cooled in the refrigerator for one hour. The probe is left in the rectum for six minutes, removed, washed and placed back in the fridge.

Dr. Rudd recommends using Anurex twice a day for two weeks. Patients can then use it as needed. You can obtain Anurex at your local pharmacist without a prescription.

RELIEVES SYMPTOMS

So how does Anurex work? Cooling quickly decreases the local blood flow, inflammation and swelling. This, in turn, reduces discharge, pain and bleeding.

The odds for success are better than those in Las Vegas. Dr. Rudd claims that 90% of patients are relieved of the itching and burning within two days. And often it relieves patients who suffer from leakage.

Anurex can also be used to treat the irritation caused by hemorrhoids. But never, never forget there are many people in the graveyard who thought that rectal bleeding was due to hemorrhoids. They delayed seeing a doctor and it cost them their lives. The only way to treat rectal bleeding is by a sigmoidoscopic procedure. Or better still, a colonoscopy, that inspects the entire large bowel.

Remember, too, that a balanced lifestyle is vital in preventing rectal dysfunction. This means a high-fiber diet and ample amounts of water to keep stools soft and prevent straining with bowel movements. And in these busy times, don't postpone bowel movements. This sets the stage for rectal discomfort and disease.